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Category: Life

Have you ever heard the phrase “clear your head” and thought to yourself “how the heck am I suppose to do that?” I always heard about meditation but I couldn’t really understand the concept. How could sitting in silence for 10 minutes really help that much?

My dad started meditating a year ago and he does it every morning for an hour. He told me that it has completely changed his mood and productivity throughout the day. So I thought “well what the heck, I’ll try it.” So I downloaded the Headspace app and started with just 10 minutes every morning for a week. The starting exercises are just listening to your breathing. This is an exercise you can do anywhere no matter the distractions.

My thoughts?

Well first thing I noticed is that it did help my mood. If you clear your mind of all the negativity and grudges, you leave room for positivity. It helped my anxiety. It helped me slow down and relax, I just focused on the rise and fall of my chest, instead of all the unknowns happening around me.

I think meditation is a great way to center yourself before you start your day. It connects your body to mind and sets your mood for the day. So many people wake up and GO, GO, GO. But I think slowing down to listen to your body is important. You don’t need to do it for an hour, there is no time limit. Just 10 minutes could changed your day.

I recently turned 21! I cannot believe I am already 21, but I also feel like I have grown and changed so much from 20. Sometimes it feels like we cannot control anything in our life, but one of the best things I have learned is that we can. Here are 21 things you can control in your own life.

1. The Skinny Confidential:This year I learned how important it is to live a balanced lifestyle. It’s not about diets, or crazy exercises, but about the big picture lifestyle. I learned that health is a marathon, not a race. This book has all kinds of great tips about health, exercise, and even beauty.

2. Trimr Shaker Bottle: When it comes to working out, a shaker bottle is a must. Whether you are mixing your pre-workout or just drinking some water, this bottle is my favorite. I love that it has a straw but also a pop-up handle to carry it. It is BPA-free and 24 oz.

3. Gymshark Flex Leggings:The things I love most about the gymshark leggings is that they have trustable material. When you go down for a squat, no one will be seeing anything! They also have a design that makes your butt look great!

4. C4 Pre-Workout:This pre-workout is 10/10 my favorite. It gives you that extra push to squat further or lift harder. It helps rebuild muscles too, so you will be less likely to tear anything. The blue raspberry is definitely the best flavor!

5. Fitbit Charge 2: I have tried out a couple different fitness watches including the Polar A300, and an Apple Watch. I always resort back to my fitbit though. The interface is great and the app makes it so easy to track your information. You can also participate in challenges with your friends to see who can get the most steps!

6. Nike Free Run Shoes:Nike’s most popular line of shoes would probably be the Free Runs. They are very reliable and comfortable, but still stylish! They come in many different colors and different generations. If you’re worried about the price, just get an earlier generation!

7. Wireless Powerbeats:I definitely recommend getting a good pair of wireless headphones. I know that Boise makes a pair, but I have not tried those. The Beats ones are great though, they stay in your ears and have great sound quality.

8. Women’s Best BCAA’s:If you have heard about BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids) but never tried them, I highly recommend them! They are a group of amino acids that help with muscle mass building. If you drink BCAAs during your workout, it will help you not feel so sore the next day! They also taste great and provide good hydration.

As we begin to wrap up the year of 2017, I think it is a good time to look back on it. Every year offers lessons taught through trial and error. The pitfalls of our lives make us who we are. I have been reading through Twitter and many people feel like 2017 was a terrible year. Bad things did happen, and trimatic events shook our nation. But throughout these events, we have begun to grow together and appreciate each other. The world may look on fire to some, but remember, a star is a burning ball of gas but beautiful still.

2017 for me was a growing year. It started out with a breakup from a relationship that had taken up multiple years of my life. This relationship taught me a lot, but the breakup taught me more. It gave me a chance to acquaint myself with who I was and who I wanted to be. In 2017 I ended my second year of college and started my third. I changed my major and found a new home. All these things were growing points for me, but I know that 2018 has even more to offer. Thinking back on 2017, I made so many new friends and lost some too. But I’ve learned that sometimes we have to let people go so we can make room for someone else.

Going into a new year, many people make resolutions about change. They make resolutions about starting new hobbies and tasks. I find that this tends to be unrealistic, instead focus on what you’re already doing and how you can improve. Starting all new things can be overwhelming, but small steps and shifts can be easier to manage. Look at the new year as a new chapter, full of all kinds of unknown adventures.

Honestly, working out is hard for me. I have been dancing most of my life and always considered that my form of exercise. But as I have gotten older I realized I need a bit more. It’s hard to find the drive! But as a dancer I have found music makes it 100 times better. I thought I would share with you my “GET PUMPED” playlist.

Spring is here! Which means the weather is warming up! Soon the beaches and pools will be crowded with people! If you are planning to go lay out in the sun you might want to think of bringing these items with!

1. BAG

You aren’t going to get very far without a bag to hold all your things!! Victoria Secret and Target always carry great bag options.

2. SUNGLASSES

Your eyeballs are sensitive! You need to protect them at all times!

3. SUNSCREEN

Along with protecting your eyes, you need to protect your skin. Those sun rays might feel good, but they’re damaging your skin. Layer on the sunscreen!

4. BEACH COVERUP

If you are walking around to the food carts or going to get some ice cream you might want to be covered up! A cute beach coverup is always a good thing to keep on hand.

5. SWIMSUIT

Well, of course you need a swimsuit. It might not be in your beach bag if you’re already wearing it! These bikinis from TRIANGL have been all the rage!

6. HEADPHONES

You need headphones so you can plug in your music and zone out!

7. MAGAZINES

I personally love to bring some good girly magazines to look at while I am laying out! Books are always a good idea!

8. WATER

The sun is very dehydrating and so is the ocean! While the salt and the sun are pulling all the water out, you need to be putting it in!

9. TOWEL

What else will you lay on?!

10. GUM/SNACKS

I personally love chewing on some fruity gum! But bringing some healthy snacks is also a good idea. Pack some fruit & nuts before you leave the house!

With the beginning of February already here so is my birthday! February 7th I will be celebrating my birthday with some of my closest friends. As I have grown older I have realized that you begin to ask for less and less. You end up just wanting to spend time with your loved ones. I know shopping for girls can be hard! So I thought I would put together a little gift guide to help you out!

1. Sparkly Nail Polish:
Who doesn’t need a little glitter on their birthday?! You cannot go wrong with nail polish.

2. Pretty iPhone Case:
Most girls these days have iphones! We love to accessorize and this includes our phones!

3. Cute Coffee Mug:
Even if they don’t drink coffee they can put tea, cocoa, or any other beverage in it!